So… I hope you didn’t start one of the workbench plans from last week, because I’ve got a BOATLOAD of new workbench plans for you :)

Thanks to the Google Book Project‘s tireless scanning efforts, I assembled a list of workbench plans from days gone by. Many are from the “Popular” brand (Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, etc), but I did find several GEMS from American Woodworker. One of the neatest is a work bench from a magazine from 1882… Be sure to check out the section below with Camouflaged workbench plans – there was a trend in the 60s and again in the 80s for workbenches that blend in with living room furniture.

So I’m not sure what’s more awesome – all these plans, or some of the incredible pictures from yesteryear ;) Also – a word of warning – all the links go to full scans of the magazines. I got sucked into more than one of them, enjoying woodworking ads from the 50’s :) ENJOY!
>> 5 Standout Workbenches: Cherries, Beauties and Gems
>> 5 Workbenches for Woodworkers and Craftsmen
>> 4 Basic, Every Day, No-Shame-in-That Workbench Plans
>> 5 “Camouflaged” Workbench Plans
>> 2 Space-Saving/Portable Workbenches
>> 3 Advice/Text Only Workbench Resources

>> 5 Standout Workbenches: the Cherries, Beauties and Gems
These beauties stood out to me, either for their extreme age or extreme awesomeness… Top of the list of course is the workbench from 1882, from a magazine that appears to be a spin off or predecessor to the popular mechanics magazines in the US. Check it out – there’s no telling what tips for workbench building you might pick up from their write up! And then… what woodworker could possibly resist the sideboard workbench in the living room? Or the wedge-based bench with no fasteners? WOW! Amazing stuff!

>> 5 Workbenches for Woodworkers and Craftsmen
This sturdy crop of workbenches should appeal to most woodworkers and craftsmen. The last two feature cabinets that go above the bench itself for yet more storage…

>> 5 “Camouflaged” Workbench Plans
Shhh… be very, very quiet… I’m woodworking in the living room, while the inlaws watch sponge bob with the kids… These “Camo” workbenches blend in with the rest of your room’s decor. Don’t worry – no one will know that you’re secretly a woodworker ;)